She's That Knight Known as Zero 228 Tired And Haggard

Raven was at the training area swinging his sword all alone. It was already in the middle of the night and there were no clouds, so his only light was coming from the full moon up above. And if one were to look up they would see that there were plenty of stars to appreciate now.

"It would be my pleasure, your highness," he replied as he lowered his sword.

Rino chuckled upon hearing his formal reply, "Is this because the war is over? And that the other kingdoms are no longer here, that you returned to being so formal towards me?"

He walked forward unsheathing his sword and raising it towards Raven, urging him to spar with him.

Raven's eyes shifted upon hearing his words before he too chuckled and raised his sword to start their sparring.

"It seems that I somehow became used to it after a few weeks of interacting with you as the prince of Aurora Kingdom."

As their swords parry with each other, Rino opened his mouth and explained the real reason why he was there.

"It seems that after dinner your father rushed back to the palace. As I was still in my father's office I was able to hear the reason. I think you already know it as well. The reason why I'm here is to ask, are you really alright?"

Raven stopped his movement and his sword was sent flying by Rino's sword. He didn't went and took back his sword but instead he only looked at it before returning his gaze to Rino.

"That's quite a round about manner of your real question. *chuckles* If I'm not mistaken it seems that all of you are thinking that I really am not alright. Is it because I started drinking that same drink she loved to drink whenever she was feeling down or if something is bothering her?"

He smiled and walked towards his sword, after picking it up and placing it back to its sheath, he continued, "I really am fine."

"Azusa thought otherwise though. After the first day her father woke up and you reminded her to keep Eureka's identity a secret for a while, she came to Nana and I wondering if we have noticed something different from you."

Raven looked at him intently before sighing. This gesture was already engraved to him it seems. Whenever he needs to answer so many questions he just couldn't help but to sigh.

"Do you want a drink?" he instead asked while still not answering Rino's question.

Rino raised an eyebrow before nodding his head. Without saying more the two of them walked towards a nearby bar and ordered like normal. And since it was already midnight, there were only at least three other customers inside the bar.

But the people of the kingdom were already used of seeing Rino, their prince, around the kingdom city. So seeing him in the bar during this time was no longer new to them and so no one approached the two of them and they were able to find a sit like normal, receiving their orders.

After sipping from his mug, Raven watched the bubbles of the beer in his mug, "The reason why she felt that way must be because-"

"Stop, allow us to order first," before he could finish they both heard a rather loud voice coming from the door of the bar.

Looking towards it, they were welcomed by the view of Hideyoshi and Mamoru, as they ordered their own beer and made way towards them.

Both guys have their brows furrowed. These two were tasked to be in the borders, so why are they here?

Seeing this look, Hideyoshi instantly pointed at Mamoru, "Don't look at me like that, it was his girlfriend who suddenly sent a letter. We did our best to finish as many tasks as possible before coming back here. And as you can see, we just arrived right now. Luckily some people have seen you two and so we are here."

Mamoru slapped his finger away before looking at Raven, "Azusa asked us, if we could return just for a bit. It seems that she noticed that something was wrong with you and she didn't know what she can do about it."

Raven had the look of being dumbfounded upon hearing their explanations. Looking closely he could clearly see a haggard and tired look. The look that tells you that they haven't really slept properly for the past few days, most likely they only took a nap for an hour or so before continuing their work.

They were responsible enough not to just jump up and leave everything behind. They actually did their best to compress all their works just so they could have at least a few days off to return to the kingdom.

He then looked at Rino who had a helpless look on his face, Raven could also see the tired look on his face and that he looks like he really need some sleep. And yet here he was sitting opposite him.

Just as the other three were enjoying their drinks, they were startled when Raven suddenly started with a suppressed laugh before he suddenly laughed loud as if he just watched a very funny show. His face lightening up as he laughed, he looked even younger as they look at him. Their minds having the same thoughts, 'What's wrong with him?'

After laughing for a few more seconds, Raven looked at each of them with a smile as he raised his mug, "Cheers!!"

The other three though wondering raised their own mugs and followed him. Without speaking more Raven dawned half of the mug's content. After putting down his mug he has a contented look in his eyes as he once again sighed.

"All of you really, are thinking too much," he finally opened his mouth and said.

"What do you mean thinking too much? Look at you now you were even laughing at nothing, that is out of your character did you know that?" Hideyoshi replied as he looked at Raven as if he was looking at someone who was weird.

"You are thinking too much, look at the four of us. The three of you looked like you were about to collapse at anytime. You three really needs some sleep."

Upon pointing this out, the three of them looked at each other before looking at Raven. Indeed the three of them looked so haggard while Raven still looked the same as usual.

"How did Azusa or my father described me?" he then asked.

"Silent and detached," they said at the same time answering his question.

"Would you believe me then if I say that I am training?"

The three of them shook their heads at the same time once again. Seeing their unanimous reply Raven chuckled.

"I was thinking about it. She had always been detached and at times she was just quietly watching from the side. Without much thought I've tried it and eventually found out the reason for that. It is not only because she just wanted to stay away from everyone but it is also because when you are just a bystander you would be able to see so many things that those who are in the center wouldn't notice."

At first it was just a trial for him, soon when he started noticing so many things he finally got the reason behind her actions of always standing just by the side. That must also be the reason why she was able to come up with so many plans that none of them could come up with.

Because she was able to see the subtle hints the others show exposing what they really have in mind, especially during the time they were subduing the conspirators in Archic Kingdom, she already knew who was the few of them.

And when they were checking the conspirators within their kingdom, she used the proper words in order to make those people expose themselves. She only added some extra movements because she found it too troublesome in waiting for more, that is why she instigated a battle between her and the generals.

Seeing that it would be very advantageous if he could incorporate this with his daily life, he started doing it everyday. That is also why he was able to instantly notice what was going on through Leo's mind early today.

"You really can't sit still can you? Since your physical capabilities were already at a very high level, you started training your mind this time?" Mamoru couldn't help but to lament.

"So you really are alright?" Hideyoshi still asked.

"Didn't I tell all of you over and over again that I am fine? Do I look like that weak to you?" he couldn't help but have a self-deprecating smile, did they really think that he would suddenly deprive himself and be so down after her disappearance?

The three of them looked at each other before they shook their heads and raised their mugs for another cheers.

Chapter end